Best Homemade Cat Food for Cats With Allergies

Does your cat’s mealtime turn into misery with endless sneezing, itchy skin, and watery eyes? Allergies might be the main culprit behind their constant mood swings. Many pet owners tend to panic, juggling through options as to what they should feed their cats. 

Take a deep breath first!

Every 1 in 6 cats suffers from allergies, so it’s more common than you think. There is a secret weapon that can tantalize your cat’s taste buds: Homemade Cat food for Cats with Allergies.

Forget the boring meals and transform their mealtime into a culinary adventure with no sneezing and watery eyes. So grab an apron and come cook with us.

The Science Behind Cat Allergies

We must tap into the science of cat allergies before talking about their diet. Cats, just like us, can develop allergies to certain protein ingredients. According to vets, the most common protein allergens are:

• Chicken is known to be full of proteins and packed with healthy benefits however it can trigger allergies and adverse reactions in some cats.
• Lamb, hog, and beef can also irritate delicate cats and trigger allergic responses.
• Fish like salmon and tuna can be a big no when it comes to allergies.
• Dairy products can also lead to allergies in cats so keep an eye on them.

But what causes an allergic reaction?

When cats consume protein their bodies sometimes identify them as harmful foreign particles. It leads to the release of antibodies like immunoglobulin E. Thanks to them inflammatory reactions get triggered and in return, your cat suffers from itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

One thing to note here is that allergies don’t come suddenly. They gradually develop and take months and years before taking the front seat.

Food Choices for Allergic Cats

There are many hypoallergenic foods that you can use to make delicious meals for your cat even if you have limited options. Here are the foods that you can use:

• Rabbit and turkey are the best ingredients to resort to if your cat has a chicken or beef allergy. 
  
  
• Pumpkins are packed with vitamins, fibers, nutrients, and beta-carotene. They are a must-have for cats suffering from allergies.
  
  
• Oats and eggs should also be on your priority list. They have vitamins, iron, magnesium, and other ingredients that work wonders for your cat.
  
  
• Sweet potatoes are another healthy choice for your cat. They have vitamins A and C and contain the necessary moisture for your cat. 

Identifying Your Cat’s Specific Allergies

It can be worrisome for cat owners to pinpoint what are the ingredients causing allergies. Here are some tips and methods that you can use to do this detective work with ease. 

Elimination diets are the first word you will hear when researching this topic. It’s a systematic approach that involves feeding your cat one food at a time and then gradually introducing them to more. In this way, you get to know the food that is causing pain or discomfort.

If the above method doesn’t give you satisfactory results, then allergy testing options are your go-to option. You can visit the vet and they will run some skin and blood tests to identify the allergens.

Homemade Cat Food For Cats With Allergies: Best Recipes 

Now that you know the main enemy (ingredients) that you should avoid, let’s explore the homemade cat recipes that you can prepare for your cat.

Recipe 1: Turkey and Vegetable Mix

This recipe works best for cats suffering from any allergies. Turkey provides the essential protein and is less likely to trigger any allergy. Vegetables bring in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals while sesame oil offers antioxidants and omega-3 to prevent any inflammation and allergy. Lastly, a hint of honey will balance everything out.

Ingredients 

• 2-pound turkey
• ⅓ pound vegetables (cat’s preference)
• ⅓ pounds kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions 

1. Chop the turkey and give it a good boil for about 5 minutes. Now add all the vegetables, kidney beans, and other ingredients to it and cook it. 
2. Now let it cool down for 30 minutes. 
3. Let it cool at room temperature, and mash the mixture for good consistency before serving it.

Recipe 2: Sardine Oat Porridge 

This recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients that support the immune system, heart health, and bowel movements. Oats and sardines are filled with fiber and don’t have any properties that trigger any allergy. 

Ingredients 

• ½ cups water
• ½ cups oats
• 1 tin sardine

Instructions 

1. Put the oats in water and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
2. Check if the porridge is cooked and has become soft then remove it from the heat.
3. Now take the sardine, drain the oil, and mash it.
4. Mix the porridge and sardine and the meal is ready for your cat.

Recipe 3: Turkey and Sweet Potatoes 

The combination of turkey and sweet potato is excellent as it brings everything in balance. This recipe has protein, vitamin A and C, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, and antioxidants.

Ingredients 

• 1 sweet potato 
• ¼ ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions 

1. Boil the water and put the potato in it. Cook until the potato is soft and then mash it with a fork.
2. Add the turkey and sesame oil to the sweet potato and mix it thoroughly. 
3. Stir well, simmer for 5 minutes, and then feed to your feline companion.

Recipe 4: Pumpkin Cookie Delight

This recipe is a delightful treat for your cat. It contains pumpkin which is rich in fiber, vitamins, and potassium. On the other hand, eggs bring protein, vitamin B-12, and selenium. Antioxidant properties and minerals from cinnamon and oat flour are a cherry on top.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup pure pumpkin 
• 1-2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon oat flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and start mixing the pumpkin, egg, oat, and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. When the mixture gets a thick consistency you can put it on the baking sheet.
3. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes and allow them to cool down.
4. The delicious meal is ready for your cat.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While preparing homemade cat food seems like a simple option and has a long list of benefits, there are certain things you should also consider for the long term. 

You need to make sure that your cat is getting the right nutrients. When they are suffering from allergies we, out of fear, eliminate ingredients from their diet that can lead to weight loss and other problems. Make sure their diet is balanced with the correct amount of taurine, calcium, and vitamins.

What’s the one thing that you need to take care of the most? Hygiene!

You need to handle food properly and store it for up to 3 days only. The preparation of food may take a lot of your time but I am sure you will have no trouble doing it as long as your cat is healthy. So remember these things and make a wise decision.

FAQs

Q: Can I mix homemade food with commercial hypoallergenic cat food?

A: Yes, you can mix commercial food with homemade cat food when it comes to allergies. It will provide a more balanced diet but consult the vet first. Make sure that you see all the ingredients and don’t buy something that can harm your cat. 

Q: Are grain-free diets necessary for all cats with allergies?

A: No, grains are not the common allergen for cats. You have to pinpoint the protein source that is causing the allergy and eliminate that from the diet. Look for any discomfort or adverse reactions or you can visit the vet for proper guidance. 

Q: How do I identify less common allergens in my cat’s diet?

A: You need to adopt an extensive elimination diet plan with the help of your vet. Focus on one ingredient at a time and just feed that to your cat. You can gradually introduce other proteins and carbohydrates to see which allergen is causing pain. 

Conclusion 

Cat allergies can be treated with homemade recipes but you need to be patient and extra vigilant. One small mistake can cost you a vet visit. However, a little detective work, veterinary approval, and a sprinkle of creativity will help your cat get the best nutrients and have a healthy life.